Ashia Read online

  Reid’s inhalation had made her core throb. Desire wasn’t something new to her, yet Reid made her feel wanton. It was very unlike her usual control. Once Reid had been made aware of how close he had been he’d backed off. Ashia already knew she was going to see the fascinating man again. In her gut she knew if she had waited for Reid to actually ask her out he wouldn’t have, so she’d manoeuvred him into making her dinner. Ashia sobered as she remembered her parting words to him. She didn’t know why she had told him what her true name was. It wouldn’t matter. This was nothing but a dalliance with a human male who’d captured her attention. She pushed away thoughts of Reid and opened the door to see her next patient.

  * * * *

  Ashia parked her blue granite Avalanche before the house. The place totally suited Reid. The home was a quaint bungalow, with a jumble of furniture crammed on the front porch. It looked lovely and it, again she was reminded how it totally suited geeky Reid. Since her last patient had cancelled, she had finished over an hour early. She’d gone home, taken care of her puppies, then had gone to get ready to use up the excess time but even that hadn’t worked. She hadn’t been able to wait at home so she had just headed to his place.

  Ashia opened the car door and got out. She closed the door, headed up the walk to the house then pressed the doorbell. The sound of barking came from inside the house then footsteps. She could sense Reid peeking out of the door and with her acute hearing, she heard him swearing softly. Ashia bit her lip, holding back a chuckle. A few moments later the door opened. Reid stepped into view and she couldn’t help but laugh. He looked like something had exploded on him. Bits of what looked like food were dripping from his hair and had stained his shirt and pants.

  “The recipe said ‘easy’. They didn’t take into account the dummy in the kitchen factor.” Reid pursed his lips, his eyes twinkling.

  “You’re so adorable,” Ashia replied.

  Reid rolled his eyes.

  She stepped forward and he backed up, letting her into the house.

  “Go get cleaned up, and I’ll make us something for dinner.” Unerringly she headed to where she felt the kitchen was.

  “Ashia.”

  She paused, glancing back at him as Reid strode towards her.

  Ashia stifled a moan at the lazy saunter of his gait. He stopped inches away from her. “A man doesn’t like being called cute or adorable,” he rumbled in his deep, bassy baritone.

  Reid turned on his heels, strode towards the staircase and loped upstairs.

  Ashia stared after his disappearing pert ass. She wanted to feel it in the palm of her hand. Her stomach had a weird fluttery sensation and she pressed her hand there to smooth her nerves. Ashia blew out a shaky breath and continued on to the kitchen to prepare some dinner. Reid might not like hearing he was cute or adorable but that was what he was. And sexy as hell.

  She hoped she could control herself through dinner and get out of there afterwards. There were varying opinions on what was customary for human dating. From what she had read, one did not put out on the first date. Although it was acceptable to kiss if you felt like it. With Reid a kiss wasn’t going to be problem. The issue would be keeping herself from ravishing the man. That was another thing. Human women waited for the man to make the first move.

  Ashia growled in frustration at these weird human dating rituals. She wanted to be with him in the shower. Ashia glanced towards the stairs. Should I say to hell with it and join him?

  Chapter Two

  Ashia turned over the chicken in the pan. Thankfully Reid had only managed to make a mess of the veggies. She glanced at the blender in the sink. She’d found it on the counter with the lid off and a mushy mess that was some sort of vegetables all over. She couldn’t figure out why he’d had them in the blender.

  “Oh…you didn’t have to clean up. I would have done it,” Reid said, coming up behind her.

  Ashia glanced back, a soft moan escaping as she spotted him. He wore a blue button-down shirt open at the neck and matching shorts. Reid came around the island and she saw he was barefoot.

  “What can I do to help?” Reid offered.

  “You can chop the vegetables.” Ashia gestured to the vegetables on the cutting board that was on the island.

  “At least this time I will remember to put on the cover.” Reid glanced at the sink.

  Ashia viewed the blender then retuned her attention to him. “Why would you blend the vegetable for a stir fry?”

  Reid flushed. “The recipe said to chop but I have a problem with knives.”

  “Which is what?”

  “They have a vendetta against me. They are always trying to slice off my fingers.” Reid showed her his hands.

  A bandage was on his left index finger.

  Ashia stifled a chuckle. “You do know you are the one who is wielding the knife. Show it who is boss.”

  “Tsk. Tsk. No need to patronise me. Let me hear it. No one believes me when I say knives have it in for me,” Reid said mournfully.

  Ashia did laugh at that. She turned down the heat on the chicken searing in the pan. She moved to the island and picked up the knife.

  “You just have to show it who is boss. Like this. Hey, knife, no cutting me.” Ashia deftly cut up a few of the vegetables then put the knife down. “See. Now you try.”

  Reid looked sceptical then shrugged, picking up the knife. He went to cut. Ashia stopped him by touching his arm.

  “You have to say the words,” Ashia said.

  Reid laughed then obliged. “Hey, knife, I know you have it in for me but no cutting me.”

  Ashia chuckled. Reid started to cut the vegetables. He bit his tongue between his lips and his eyebrows were scrunched up as he concentrated.

  “Shit,” Reid hissed.

  Ashia took the knife from him then grabbed his hand pulling him to the sink. She turned on the water and put his bleeding finger under it.

  “Leave it there a moment. Where are your Band-Aids?”

  “There are some in the cupboard there.” Reid pointed to the cabinet left of the sink.

  Ashia retrieved the first aid kit, overruling his protest as she dressed the small cut. After she was done she put the kit away. Turning back, she saw Reid leaning against the counter, glaring at his newly banded right index finger. He raised his left hand and scowled at both. Ashia moved close to him. He raised his head and showed her both fingers.

  “See? Knife. Vendetta.”

  “They definitely are out to get you,” Ashia agreed.

  Reid laughed and she joined him. The laughter trailed off as their gazes locked. Ashia raised his right-bandaged finger and pressed her lips on it.

  Reid groaned then went silent as he raised the left one. Ashia shifted her head and kissed that one too. Reid made that guttural sound again. Ashia shivered, and leaned closer to him.

  “The chicken,” Reid said.

  Ashia dropped his hand and hurried to the stove. Reid blew out a shaky breath behind her. Ashia smiled. She flipped the chicken then turned to face Reid again. He stared at her, hunger as well as wariness in his gaze.

  “Have a seat while I cut up these veggies,” Ashia said.

  Reid walked and took a seat on one of the stools around the island.

  “I looked up the name you told me. Amaunet.”

  She briefly stopped cutting the vegetables. ”Hmmm?”

  Reid continued talking. “She’s a primordial goddess who is considered an Egyptian mother goddess. Referred to as the ‘Hidden One’. She belongs to the Ogdoad of Hermopolis. The Ogdoad is fascinating. I never knew such things existed. Them or even Amaunet. They are not as well-known as some of the Egyptian gods or goddess.” Reid paused, closing his eyes as if searching his memory. “Amaunet was regarded as a tutelary deity of the Egyptian pharaohs and had a prominent part in their accession ceremonies. It is said she is the personification of the life-bringing northern wind. The pictures of her are depicted as a snake or a snake-head on which the crown of Lower Egypt re
sts.” Reid opened his eyelids and studied her. “Why do you have jewellery with her name on it?”

  Ashia wondered what he would do if she told him the truth of who she was. Memories of Devi crying in her arms after she’d told Rhodes Liatos—the human man—whom she had come to start to care for filled her. She dismissed the notion she would have this issue. Reid was but an interesting distraction. Also, telling a human about being an Egyptian god or goddess wasn’t something one just did. Unless they trusted the human that was.

  “I have my reasons.” Ashia changed the subject. “Tell me about you. What do you like to do?”

  “I work with computers.”

  Before long she had their food plated and they went to the table by the window to eat. They kept up their conversation through a scrumptious meal and the clean-up.

  She strolled to the living room, and sank into the comfortable couch, curling her legs under her. She’d discarded her shoes long ago.

  Reid came in carrying two glasses of iced tea, but he paused when he saw her sitting on the couch.

  “Come join me. I don’t bite.” Ashia blinked. “Unless you want me to.”

  Reid flushed a ruby shade of red, but then he smiled and a wicked gleam came into his eyes. “I might have to find out how your bite feels.”

  She chuckled and patted the cushion next to her.

  Reid joined her on the couch. He couldn’t believe how easy she was to hang out with. He’d been about to call for take-out before she had been set to arrive—he’d thought the date was blown—but they’d salvaged dinner despite his knife issues. They’d had a wonderful dinner and the clean-up had been fun. She’d flirted with him and he hopefully hadn’t put his foot in his mouth when he’d returned her flirtation.

  Reid wiped his hands on his jeans. “Umm…you want to watch a movie or something?”

  “How about some TV? CSI: NY will be starting in a few minutes. Do you like that show?” she asked.

  “I do.” Reid clicked on the television.

  Ashia drew him in again to conversation, as they discussed their favourite shows, then the episodes of CSI: NY, which they both enjoyed. They watched the show commenting on it as she laughed and Reid smiled, shifting so she couldn’t see his erection. She had changed from a woman he had seen jogging who was interesting to a woman whom he very much wanted to kiss. Ashia shifted, leaning against his shoulder, and Reid put his arm around her.

  She settled against his chest like she was made to be there as they watched the rest of CSI then Blue Bloods that way. She even stayed for the news, stretching when it was done. His arms felt empty without her in them.

  Ashia stood and he joined her, before escorting her to the front door. He reached around her for the door handle but she turned, facing him and blocking his way. He closed the distance and pressed his lips against hers.

  Reid stroked his tongue into her mouth and she opened up. The first taste of her burst across his tongue, as sweet as her scent, making him think of nights spent making love in the moonlight. Reid pulled her against his frame where she fit against him perfectly. Her arms curled around him, her grip tight and possessive, awakening a primal need within him. Reid smoothed his palms along her back, down past her waist and cupped her ass. Her moan reverberated against his tongue. Reid squeezed and released the firm globes as she growled at each touch.

  He ran his tongue along the sides of hers, swallowing each sound and demanding more. Ashia canted her hips, rubbing against his straining erection. Reid pulled away, licking her bottom lip.

  “Upstairs. Come to bed with me,” he pleaded.

  She disentangled herself from his arms, shaking her head, regret flashing across her face.

  “I can’t.” She took another step back.

  Opening the door behind her, she backed onto the porch.

  Reid moved forwards, hands gripping the doorframe.

  Standing on the porch, Ashia stared at him. “Come by the ranch tomorrow. Continue onto the road to the left from my clinic. We’ll have dinner at my place this time,” Ashia said.

  The promise in her voice caused him to tighten his hold on the door.

  “Okay.” As muddled as his mind was he was grateful to get that word out. He was glad she didn’t seem offended by his asking her to his bed and was willing to spend more time with him.

  “On second thought come early so we can spend the day together. We can have a Closer marathon. I have all the DVD’s. Eleven o’clock. My house.”

  Reid nodded, his brain still not quite following the speed of Ashia’s ever-changing mind.

  Ashia rushed forward and kissed him thoroughly.

  Reid locked his knees as they went weak.

  She withdrew and hurried down the steps muttering something about antiquated human biases. He watched as she pulled her vehicle out of the driveway and disappeared around the corner. He stepped back and closed the door. Reid leaned forward, placing his palms on the door.

  Lowering his head, he glared at his erection. “You got me in trouble. Groping her on the first date was not cool. No wonder she turned us down. Control from now on, buddy.” Reid closed up the house and got ready for bed. He slid nude—his preferred sleeping attire—between the sheets. Lying on his side, Reid replayed the entire day in his mind. Thoughts of their kiss had his erection returning full force. He wouldn’t be able to get any sleep now. Reid turned onto his back, kicking off the covers.

  He slid his hand over his stomach then gripped his shaft. Squeezing it tight, Reid hissed at how sensitized his flesh was. A vision of Ashia as she sat leaning against his chest filled his thoughts, followed by her laughter and smoky voice. Reid stroked his cock thinking of her. He gripped the head of his cock, rubbing his thumb over it firmly. The slick pre-cum coated his fingers. Moving his hand down then up his hardened member, he jerked off. He fondled his balls with while he moved along his cock using the pre-cum to help glide.

  A tightness filled the base of his stomach, signalling he was almost ready to come. He increased his strokes along his shaft in a fast motion. His hips snapped up off the bed as he came in a gush.

  “Ashia,” he moaned, shuddering as his semen spurted, wetting his hand and legs.

  He inhaled harshly, trying to calm his breathing. He slid off the bed and made his way to the attached bathroom. Wiping off, whilst standing in front of the mirror, Reid glanced at his reflection.

  “You have another chance. Don’t blow it by being ‘Mister grabby hands’. Kissing is acceptable, but no pushing her into bed.”

  * * * *

  Reid pulled up in front of Ashia’s house and stepped out of his jeep. He spotted her, a vision of loveliness, clad in a short peach-coloured dress with a knee-length swirling hem and bare feet, walking towards him over a rocky area. He hoped she didn’t hurt her feet even as he had to remind himself of his pep talk from last night. Reid averted his gaze before he grew any more erect. Suddenly loud barking made him look back at Ashia. Again his breath was caught by how she looked.

  Ashia reached him. She pressed against his body and lifted her head back. Reid leant down and kissed her. He kept it light. But Ashia had other ideas. She cupped the back of his head and stroked her tongue into his mouth and duelled with his.

  Be a gentleman, Reid repeated to himself.

  Ashia moved away, her lips curling into a grin.

  “It’s so good of you to come, and on time too.”

  The loud barking came again. Reid glanced down. He was surprised to see the puppies sitting on the ground in a semi-circle beside them. They were wagging their tails but not rushing them.

  “Are they all yours?”

  “Yes. This is Bamm-Bamm and Penny.” She gestured at the Irish setters. “Goliath and Katana,” she said, pointing to the golden retriever and another dog he didn’t know the breed off.

  “They are beautiful and very well behaved. What breed is Katana?”

  “Drentsche Patrijshond.”

  “So you’re a fan of the Flintstones and th
e Gargoyles?” He returned his attention to Ashia.

  “Yep.” She narrowed her eyes. “Please do not tell me you don’t like those shows.”

  Reid chuckled at the way she had said it. He glanced back at the puppies then at her.

  “I could tell you I like them. But then I’d be lying.”

  Ashia stepped back then said, “Get him, guys.”

  Reid stumbled back as he was overrun with puppies. They jumped on him, licking him as he fell back, then they crawled all over him. Reid laughed, rubbing the wiggling furry bodies.

  He heard Ashia laughing, gently pushed the golden retriever off his face and glared at her. Ashia was doubled over. He reached up and snagged her wrist, toppling her over into his lap. Ashia slid her hands over his shoulders, smiling in his face.

  “That’s what you get for not being a fan of the Flintstones and the Gargoyles.”

  “I never said that.”

  “You did. A few moments ago.”

  “Ah-ahn. Never said I wasn’t a fan. You asked if I liked them. Since I love them that’s why I said no.” Reid squeezed her. “Now someone owes me an apology.”

  Ashia shifted, straddling him. “Let me see what I can do about that.”

  As she lowered her head Reid reminded himself that this was only their second date. I will not push for sex. I will not push for sex. He was going to wait until she told him she was ready.

  God. I hope she lets me know she is ready soon.

  Chapter Three

  Reid stepped out of his jeep then Liv jumped out and stood beside him. He locked up and headed towards where the others were waiting. Immediately his gaze was drawn to Ashia and he gulped. She was wearing white today, as she had been the first day he had seen her a few months ago, before he had even known her name. Please let me remain in control. Please let me remain in control. While the mantra had changed, the gist was the same. During the weeks they had been dating it was a constant request. Six weeks with lots of kissing, which at the end of the night left him frustrated as he went home to bed—alone. Keeping his promise to himself to not push Ashia into bed was becoming harder and harder to keep.